2 ESO - MODAL VERBS

What are modal verbs?

• They are verbs that show an action, occurrence or state of being.

• They are auxiliary verbs that express ideas like ability, permission, possibility, and necessity.

• They are verbs that express something that a person, animal, object, or process in nature can do.

• They are inactive verbs since no action is being performed.

'Must' expresses...

• strong obligation

• prohibition

• ability

• possibility

'Can' expresses...

• ability in the past

• permission

• ability in the present

• obligation

'May' expresses...

• suggestion

• obligation

• probability

• possibility

'Might' expresses....

• advice

• obligation

• probability

• suggestion

'Should' expresses...

• advice

• permission

• possibility

• ability

I ______ not travel this week. I am still very busy.

• may

• might

It ______ rain tomorrow night. I'm not very sure.

• may

• might

You _____ be more careful.

• can

• should

You ______ take your medication after lunch. It is for your own good.

• can

• have to